Officials: Herbie the tree was 217 years old

[February 05, 2010]  YARMOUTH, Maine (AP) -- The Maine Forest Service says the giant elm nicknamed "Herbie" was 217 years old when it was cut down last month in Yarmouth.

That means the massive tree dates to 1793, the year President Washington began his second term and Eli Whitney created his cotton gin.

The 110-foot tree -- the tallest American elm in New England -- survived 14 bouts of Dutch elm disease, thanks to his caretaker, Frank Knight, who's now 101 himself. Eventually, though, the fungal disease claimed the tree, which was cut down Jan. 19.

Peter Lammert of the forest service said Thursday the final determination on the tree's age came after its growth rings were examined under magnification.

[Associated Press]

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